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Union Township officials confirmed their commitment to building a vital community by passing a Complete Streets Resolution at their regular meeting on Wednesday, March 23.
The resolution affirms the township is moving towards making the township more walkeable and bikeable and will incorporate Complete Streets concepts in its transportation planning and improvements.
Union Township became the 34th Michigan Community (see comment) to pass a Complete Streets ordinance or resolution in coordination with state legislation that was passed in 2010.
The township has been working with the City of Mount Pleasant, Isabella County, Central Michigan University, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe. Local schools and other institutions and community organizations on a micropolitan area non-motorized transportation plan along with the Greenway Collaborative of Ann Arbor.
Union Township Complete Streets Resolution
▲ Here is a copy of Union Township’s Complete Streets Resolution
It appears that Milford is the first township in Oakland County to have passed a Complete Streets resolution.
According to the Spinal Column:
Milford Township Planning Commission members are reviewing design features as part of the township’s “complete streets” policy to make streets more friendly to pedestrians and cyclists.
This comes after the commission passed a complete streets policy resolution in January, which was then adopted by the Milford Township Board of Trustees in February.
The policy allows the Planning Commission to review all street plans to ensure all public and private street projects, including reconstruction, are built to follow the guidelines of the federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials to accommodate all users of the rights-of-way or private road easements.
“This allows the township to be more involved in street improvements with help from the county and state planning process,” said Milford Township Building Official Timothy Brandt.
View Milford Township’s Resolution Here.
Originally posted by Todd Scott. Read the rest of the story and the resolution on m-bike.org
Grand Rapids (March 22, 2011) – Grand Rapids City Commissioners today adopted a Complete Streets Resolution. The Resolution assures that future transportation projects consider all user groups, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, people in wheelchairs and motor vehicles.
“This is a win for us today and also for the citizens of Grand Rapids,” Kevin McCurren, Chair of the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition, said. “We worked hard to gain a Bicycle Friendly Community designation for Grand Rapids in October 2009 and we continue to advocate for safe and accessible cycling for everyone.”
The Complete Streets Resolution was written by City Planning Director Suzanne Schultz. Its passage is the first step toward Grand Rapids ultimately adopting a more comprehensive Complete Streets Policy Ordinance.
Complete Streets have bicycle lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks and attractive landscaping, which lead to a more active lifestyle. They offer the potential for improved public health, a cleaner environment and economic development. Communities that employ the design are more vibrant and inviting while also reducing long-term transportation costs.
Governor Granholm signed Complete Streets into law last year for the State of Michigan. Pubic Acts 134 and 135 require the Michigan Department of Transportation and local governments apply the Complete Streets model in planning and construction of transportation-related projects.
The Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition advocates for change to public policy where it affects cyclists. It is committed to transforming Grand Rapids into a safer cycling community.
To further advance cycling in Grand Rapids, the group will be hosting its second Grand Rapids Bicycle Summit, May 6 at GVSU’s Eberhard Center in downtown Grand Rapids. The daylong conference will offer keynote speakers and workshops for bicyclists, government officials, planners, health officials and the general public. To learn more and to register, visit BikeGrandRapids.org.
View the Resolution Here
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Michigan continues to lead the nation in adopting local complete streets ordinances and resolutions. On the heals of the League of Michigan Bicyclists receiving national recognition for the Michigan Complete Streets Coalition, we are pleased to report that the momentum is not slowing down. In March we have the pleasure to add the City of Ann Arbor and Burt Township to our growing list of communities who have adopted policies that support all modes of transportation in future road projects. Based on census data, Michigan’s 32 policies equates to 24% (2,352,874) of our state’s population living in a community with a complete streets resolution or ordinance.
At its March 7, 2011 meeting, the Ann Arbor city council adopted a resolution expressing its commitment to the concept of “complete streets” – the idea that streets should be constructed to accommodate a full range of users, from pedestrians, to bicyclists, to public transit vehicles, to privately owned automobiles.
Read more of this article on the Ann Arbor Chronicle.
City Administrator, Mark Kibby, just shared the exciting news that Gibraltar adopted a Complete Streets resolution on January 24, 2011. Gibraltar becomes the 28th Michigan policy (that we are aware of) and 4th Wayne County community to adopt a resolution or ordinance. Gibraltar joins Taylor who recently adopted a Complete Streets ordinance, along with Hamtramck and Woodhaven who have passed resolutions in support of Complete Streets. In addition, numerous other communities in southeast Michigan, including the City of Detroit, are actively pursuing policies of their own.
The Michigan Department of Community Health has reported that Escanaba adopted a Complete Streets resolution in January, 2011. Escanaba, becomes the sixth Upper Peninsula community to adopt a Complete Streets resolution or ordinance. Congratulations!
The Oxford Village Council unanimously voted to adopt a Complete Streets Resolution at its January 25, 2011 Council Meeting. The Resolution, originally drafted by the Economic Restructuring Committee of the Downtown Development Authority was unanimously supported by the DDA Board and forwarded to the Village Council for consideration of passage. According to Holly Madill, Michigan Department of Community Health’s Complete Streets Project Coordinator, Oxford is the 21st city to pass a Complete Streets Resolution.
Anna Taylor, member of the Economic Restructuring Committee and DDA Board member said, “I encourage any DDA that wants to address how to make their town a more vibrant and welcoming pedestrian community, to take a serious look at Complete Streets. The Village of Oxford is a designated Main Street, so a well thought out Complete Streets policy is essential to our future and can mean the difference between surviving and prospering. To that end, a welcoming pedestrian community is essential.”
Complete Streets are defined as roadways designed and constructed to accommodate safe access for all legal users regardless of age, ability or mode of transportation.
“For years, state roads and highways were designed with a one-size-fits all approach. Lost in that process was the safety needs of those who walk and bicycle, especially senior citizens and children. It was very difficult, if not impossible, for a local community like ours to change that process, to make it about more than just automobiles,” said Don Sherman, Chairman of the Economic Restructuring Committee.
The next step is to work with Dan Burden of The Walkable and Livable Communities Institute, one of the nation’s top walkability experts. “A comprehensive design is needed to look at how the M-24 highway, sidewalks, crosswalks, signage, streetscapes and public spaces can be improved for residents, businesses and visitors of all ages,” says Madonna Van Fossen, Oxford’s DDA Executive Director. Recently, Joe Young, Village Manager and members of the Economic Restructuring Committee made a visit to Lawrence Technological University which resulted in an offer to work with the Village on upcoming public space design projects.
See Oakland Press media coverage.
Download Oxford’s Complete Streets Resolution (PDF version) (Word Version)
On January 17, the Atlas Township Board of Trustees unanimously voted to support a Complete Streets policy after hearing a presentation on Michigan’s new Complete Streets law.
As reported in the the Grand Blanc View:
Brown said Michigan created the policy to encourage local municipalities to accommodate the needs of walkers, bikers and joggers when planning to improve streets in the area. If municipalities take into consideration the suggestions made possible under the Complete Streets policy, Brown said towns could reduce pedestrian risk by 28 percent while also trying to combat health issues, such as obesity, by making it safer for residents to walk rather than drive to places.
“Michigan adopted the policy and joined the growing movement because of a list of important things that help make communities a little safer and healthier,” Brown had previously said.
With support for the policy in place, officials can look toward making improvements in the township, such as adding sidewalks and bike lanes, updating the pedestrian signs and signals in the area, creating crossing islands to slow vehicle traffic and widening of lanes, and having more of a say in the projects.
Brown had also previously told the board adopting the policy would open up communication between Atlas and MDOT or Genesee County.
“There is always a little bit of dialogue with MDOT, but it is limited and more heavily geared toward what MDOT or Genesee County wants,” Brown had said during his presentation last month. “I am sure you all have come up against widening or improvements and have your ideas pushed to the wayside. That will no longer be the case with complete streets in place. They will have to communicate with you.”
Township Supervisor Shirley Kautman-Jones said she thought this type of policy would be beneficial to all the community and said it was important for the board to be aware of it so they could better prepare for future projects.
Editor’s Note: Thank you to m-bike who posted the initial report on Clawson’s Complete Streets policy.
On December 7, 2010, Clawson city council adopted a resolution in support of Complete Streets. City Manager Mark Pollock provided the following background on Complete Streets prior to the unanimous vote.
“Complete Streets” is a design or planning principle to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. The City of Clawson already incorporates many of the goals of the “Complete Streets” philosophy into the projects it undertakes. This is evidenced by the recent renovations of the downtown main intersection and streetscape projects. The resolution supporting a “Complete Streets” Policy pledges the City’s continued commitment to the complete streets philosophy and may assist the City in applications for funding available under the revised statutes. My recommendation is the resolution supporting a “Complete Streets” Policy for the City of Clawson be approved and forwarded to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and State Transportation Commission (STC).
Clawson becomes the fourth Oakland County municipality to adopt a Complete Streets resolution or ordinance, joining Berkley, Ferndale and Novi.
From the Clawson City Council minutes of December 7th, 2010:
CM 12-194-10 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A “COMPLETE STREETS” POLICY FOR THE CITY OF CLAWSON
MOTION BY: Councilmember Airriess
SUPPORTED BY: Councilmember Moore
RESOLVED, the resolution supporting a “Complete Streets” Policy for the City of Clawson be approved and forwarded to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and State Transportation Commission (STC).
A RESOLUTION
of the Council of the City of Clawson, Michigan
Supporting a “Complete Streets” Policy for the City of Clawson
WHEREAS, “Complete Streets” are defined as a design framework that enables safe and convenient access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and drivers of all ages and abilities; and
WHEREAS, “Complete Streets” are achieved when transportation agencies routinely plan, design, construct, reconstruct, operate, and maintain the transportation network to improve travel conditions for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit, and freight in a manner consistent with, and supportive of, the surrounding community; and
WHEREAS, development of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure offers longterm cost savings and opportunities to create safe and convenient nonmotorized travel; and
WHEREAS, streets that support and invite multiple uses, including safe, active, and ample space for pedestrians, bicycles, and transit are more conducive to the public life and efficient movement of people than streets designed primarily to move automobiles; and
WHEREAS, increasing active transportation (e.g., walking, bicycling and use public transportation) offers the potential for improved public health, economic development, a cleaner environment, reduced transportation costs, enhanced community connections, social equity, and more liveable communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Clawson’s Master Plan addresses multiple forms of transportation; and
WHEREAS, “Complete Streets” principles have been and continue to be adopted nation-wide at state, county, MPO, and city levels in the interest of proactive planning and adherence to federal regulation that guide transportation planning organizations to promote multi-modal transportation options and accessibility for all users; and
WHEREAS, in response to the Complete Streets Initiative, the State of Michigan adopted an amendment to the Planning Enabling Act in 2010 stating that a community’s master plan shall include all components of a transportation system and their interconnectivity including streets and bridges, public transit, bicycle facilities, pedestrian ways, freight facilities and routes, port facilities, railroad facilities, and airports, to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods in a manner that is appropriate to the context of the community and, as applicable, considers all legal users of the public right-of-way.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF CLAWSON RESOLVES:
That the Council of the City of Clawson hereby declares its support of “Complete Streets” policies.
That the Planning Commission is hereby directed to review the master plan in order to determine whether the elements required under Public Act 134 of 2010 Section 33(b)(i) have been satisfied and if not, to prepare an amendment which will bring the master plan into compliance with Public Act 134 of 2010.
Introduced and Passed at a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 7, 2010.
AYES: Councilmember Airriess, Mayor Luebs, Councilmember Moore and Palmer
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Phillips
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED:
Michigan Complete Streets Coalition 